Bow for use on protective gear

ABSTRACT

The current invention pertains to a novel use of selective adhesives to provide identifying or branding adornments to safety gear. In one potential implementation of the invention, three dimensional insignias are affixed to a helmet by using interlocking heads, loops and hooks, or other selective means of binding the insignia to the helmet. As an added benefit, these insignias provide a controlled fail point in the instance of a crash, absorbing impact and breaking away to prevent the full force of an impact transferring to the helmet itself. Other useful applications include a means for distinguishing multiple individuals wearing visored safety gear, such as helmets commonly used when operating motorsports vehicles, identifying the expressed gender the bearer, or differentiating between multiple racers who are wearing nondescript safety gear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many sports or thrill-seeking activities, safety gear is a necessity. Protective gear such as helmets, bodysuits, roll cages, and modern vehicular crumple points cut down on traumatic injuries that result in disability or death, and as a result, are mandated in many professional sports that involve impacts. Sadly, this gear often hides the faces and bodies of athletes and limits their ability to capitalize on the publicity associated with performance at the highest levels in competitive activities. For instance, a large number of deaths has resulted in gear mandates for sports ranging from Olympic Snowmobiling to Nascar driving. These mandates are saving lives but hampering individuality. In order to differentiate themselves, drivers have used everything from custom paintjobs, to decals, to simple stickers. However, many of these two-dimensional decorations are lacking and fail to provide people with the sense of individuality that assists in building their brands and feeling their best.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the portion of the invention that faces outward when mounted upon a hard surface.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the invention. The main body of the bow 1 is attached via adhesive to a fastener 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description will include references to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments and methods, but the invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods, and embodiments. Preferred embodiments are described to illustrate the present invention, not to limit its scope. Several different equivalents exist for many of the mechanisms used in the invention. Specific embodiments are given to provide examples, however embodiments which incorporate materials with properties similar to those noted in the materials chosen should also be considered. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on the description that follows.

The present invention makes use of a highly durable, semirigid decorative or information conveying bow design in order to provide an opportunity for unique expression to an individual who is otherwise concealed by safety gear. The body of the bow is constructed from a durable, 3D printed or otherwise molded polymer. In one preferred embodiment, the body of the bow has been sanded, painted, and adorned with an assortment of decorations in order to be unique to a particular user. While the decorative elements of the bow may vary, the basic structure consists of a durable composition that allows the decorative elements to convey a message to any party viewing the individual who is concealed by a helmet, or other protective equipment of some sort.

The rear portion of the bow is affixed with a fastener that is capable of weathering significant wind resistance. In one embodiment, this fastener consists of a durable re-closable fastener that employs interlocking heads to create a temporary, but sturdy bond between two surfaces by fixing two strips that are in turn bound by a chemical adhesive or epoxy. Such fasteners are bound by external substrates such as hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, acrylic foam tape, or screws. By pressing the fastener on the bow to a complementary fastener fixed to a hard surface, the bow can be stuck in a way that looks as though it were being worn or otherwise can be used to identify the individual with which it is associated. Products that include interlocking heads are further exemplified by 3M's Dual Lock or Velcro products. These products may have a variety of equivalents, however their use in attaching a three-dimensional decorative bow provides a novel opportunity for a variety for self-expressions.

Female motorsports athletes in particular are underrepresented, and the present invention provides a valuable opportunity to help create a female identity within motorsports. Bows have traditionally been associated with being “pretty” and having a feminine identity. By helping to brand motorsports competitors in a notably feminine way, the present invention also helps increase access to motorsports for a traditionally underserved market, further creating utility for women's access to a broader range of recreational or competitive activities where there has been limited visibility in the past.

Previous means of branding motorsports drivers or groups include custom jumpsuits or decals mounted on protective gear, or sometimes vehicles themselves. These graphical representations are limited in that they are only two-dimensional. The same is true for individuals who do not use vehicles, but likewise wear protective gear for the purpose of sporting events such as baseball or football. The present invention presents a benefit in that it is three dimensional and reminiscent of an iconic cloth-based fashion accessory. While the bow is capable of sustaining significant lateral wind pressure, the invention also embodies a controlled fail point allowing the bow to breakaway in the event of a crash without compromising the integrity of safety equipment in any way. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a base that is firmly attached to a helmet; a selectively attachable medium that attaches to the base; and a visually unique identifier that is attached to the selectively attachable medium.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the visually unique identifier is in the shape of a decorative hair bow.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, where the selectively attachable medium consists of a system that employs interlocking heads.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, where visually unique identifier may be substituted for a different visually unique identifier by detaching the original visually unique identifier by way of the selectively attachable medium and attaching the different visually unique identifier in its place.
 5. A system for identifying helmeted individuals comprising: a distinctive aesthetic three-dimensional badge; and a means of attaching and detaching the three-dimensional badge from a helmet.
 6. The system of claim 5, in which the three-dimensional badge is shaped like a decorative hair bow.
 7. The system of claim 5 in which the means of attaching and detaching the three-dimensional badge consists of a means of repeatedly attaching and detaching the distinctive three-dimensional badge.
 8. The system of claim 5 in which the means of attaching and detaching the three-dimensional badge consists of an adhesive strip. 